PREVIOUS PHOTO
In a forest in southern
Thailand, a male
helmeted hornbill
approaches a tree
where his mate and
chick have been
sequestered for
months, relying on
him to bring food.
RIGHT
The helmeted hornbill’s
casque—the horny
helmet above its beak—
is mostly solid, unlike
those of other horn-
bills. Softer than ivory,
it can be finely carved
into beads, figurines,
and artistic scenes.
These casques, carved
with Chinese designs,
were confiscated by law
enforcement in the U.S.
114 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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7/5/18 8:12 AM